The Vice President of the European Parliament, Victor Negrescu, recommends a series of key actions for the security and future of the European Union.

The suggestions made by the MEP come in the context of the meetings of heads of state and government held in March under the spectre of intensifying international dialogue on identifying options for peace in Ukraine.

”The meeting of European leaders was of major importance for strengthening European defence, marking a step forward by approving concrete proposals to strengthen the common security of the European Union. I am pleased to see that the European Parliament’s proposal to involve the European Investment Bank, a key element in supporting the European defence industry and developing the EU’s strategic capabilities, has been accepted. This shows that the ideas promoted in the European Parliament can have a real impact on decisions taken at the highest level”, underlined the MEP. 

The directions for action suggested by him are: 

Black Sea and security guarantees for the Eastern Flank

Victor Negrescu believes that “the Black Sea must be recognized as a strategic component of Europe’s security architecture”. 

As Vice President of the European Parliament responsible for relations with the Republic of Moldova, he advocates that this country should receive ”clear security guarantees”. 

”In the current context, the European Union must take a more active role in ensuring stability in the region”, he said. 

Distribution of defense funds, impact on the EU budget and an integrated approach to defense

The Council ”has established principles on financial support for defense”, recalls the MEP, who deplores the fact that “it is not clear how the funds will be distributed among Member States”. 

”European defense funds and programs must be accessible to all Member States, to finance equipment, but also cyber defense. We need to make sure that these resources will not reduce cohesion funds or other priorities of citizens”, the MEP added. 

Strategic autonomy 

The Vice-President of the European Parliament underlines the importance of the transatlantic relationship and a reasoned approach to the US-EU trade conflict. 

”Strategic autonomy and economic and military sovereignty, but without trade wars or escalating tensions. Peace, military deterrence and cohesion are what protect our democracies”, points out Victor Negrescu.

The Commission and the High Representative have presented a White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030. The Commission has also presented, as part of the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030, an ambitious defence package providing financial levers to EU Member States to drive an investment surge in defence capabilities.

The ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030 strengthens pan-European defence capabilities with new financial means. The White Paper frames a new approach to defence and identifies investment needs.